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Fall 2016 Stars-N-Parks astronomy programs announced

Residents and visitors to Grant and Luna counties will have opportunities to learn about the fall night sky at Stars-N-Parks astronomy programs to be held at area state parks this fall, including City of Rocks State Park, between Deming and Silver Ci

Residents and visitors to Grant and Luna counties will have opportunities to learn about the fall night sky at Stars-N-Parks astronomy programs to be held at area state parks this fall, including City of Rocks State Park, between Deming and Silver City; and Rockhound State Park, near Deming. The National Public Observatory sponsors the Stars-N-Parks astronomy programs.

Stars-N-Parks attendees should arrive at the park at sunset to become familiar with the surroundings before nightfall. This is also an excellent time for informal instruction by the presenter and getting acquainted with other attendees. A formal presentation on the night sky begins approximately an hour after sunset, followed by telescope observations.

Pay the $5 day-use fee at the gate when arriving at the park or you may purchase a State Park Annual Day Use (ADU) pass at any state park or online at www.nmparks.com. The $40 passes are good for one year from the date of purchase and can be transferred to any vehicle.

The NPO is a non-profit membership organization that sponsors astronomy programs for all. Suggested donations for the program are $5 per couple, or $3 per individual. For more information on the NPO visit us on Facebook at National Public Observatory.

Stars-N-Parks Fall 2016 schedule

• Saturday, Oct. 1, Rockhound State Park

Sunset: 6:48 p.m.

Program start: 8 p.m.

Program end: 9:30 p.m.

Presenter: John Gilkison

Mars and Saturn low in the southwest, the Summer Milky Way Galaxy is well presented. Andromeda Galaxy is rising in the east.

• Saturday, Oct. 22, City of Rocks State Park

Sunset: 6:23 p.m.

Program start: 7:30 p.m.

Program end: 9 p.m.

Presenter: Matt Wilson

Saturn is setting in the southwest with Mars trailing. The center of the Milky Way Galaxy is setting. Andromeda Galaxy is high in the east.

• Saturday, Nov. 19, City of Rocks State Park

Sunset: 5:02 p.m.

Program start: 6:10 p.m.

Program end: 7:40 p.m.

Presenter: Matt Wilson

Saturn sets at the start of the program with Mars trailing. Andromeda Galaxy is high and the Pleaides is well up in the east.

• Saturday, Dec. 3, Rockhound State Park

Sunset: 4:59 p.m.

Program start: 6:10 p.m.

Program end: 7:40 p.m.

Presenter: John Gilkison

Venus and Mars are in the southwest. Andromeda is high, trailed by Cetus and Orion is rising. The Pleaides are observable.

• Saturday, Dec. 31, City of Rocks State Park

Sunset: 5:10 p.m.

Program start: 6:20 p.m.

Program end: 7:50 p.m.

Presenter: Matt Wilson

Venus and Mars are in the southwest. Andromeda Galaxy crosses the meridian trailed by Cetus and Orion is rising. The Pleaides are observable.